But it was the young players who made the telling contribution as they replaced the first-teamers just after the hour with the game goalless, and went on to secure the win thanks to two goals from Peter Cartwright and one from Carl Lawson.

And it was the second time in as many days that the young guns had made their presence felt, having come on at the same stage against the Cumbrians at Brunton Park with the game deadlocked and then scoring a winner.

Poyet grinned: “We were talking in the dressing room after the game - we should ask for permission to play the kids for the last half-an-hour of every game!

“It’s important the way that they came on and wanted to show everyone in the first team that they want to be a part of things.

“They have some quality and you can see from the understandings they have built up that they have been working together for a little while.”

Poyet has split his first-team squad into two groups, playing one for an hour at Carlisle and another for 60 minutes at Pools, with the youngsters then final 30 minutes to show what they can do.

And while the first team contingent had looked a little sluggish at Carlisle, the senior players that played at Pools seemed sharper.

“We are still mixing the players but, first-team wise, today was totally different to yesterday - there was a bit more energy and understanding,” he said.

“We created more chances, and all we were missing is goals and they will come.

“Overall, I was very pleased.

“The first-team players did well and the kids were exceptional.”

England winger Adam Johnson made his first pre-season appearance last night, having recovered from the minor knock that kept him out of Sunderland’s first two friendlies.

Poyet said: “Johnno was desperate to play, and he linked up well with Fletch [Steven Fletcher].

“I’m sure he’s going to have an even better season this year with us than he did last.”